Stellenbosch wine

The prominent wine region of Stellenbosch is relatively young compared to others in the winemaking world, but it’s home to some of South Africa’s brightest and most expressive wines. Stellenbosch wines come in a variety of styles, from bold, fruity reds to vibrant, zesty whites.

This region is known for its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, as the grapes thrive in the warm climate of the Western Cape. It’s also home to Pinotage, a unique South African grape created by crossing Cinsault with Pinot Noir in the 1920s. It has now become the region’s flagship variety. Look out for fresh and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from this region, and Chenin Blanc wines, which range from crisp and dry to rich and complex.

Although South African wine has a much larger domestic market than international one, Stellenbosch wines’ global appeal lies in their easy-drinking style and fruit-forward nature.

Stellenbosch is a renowned wine region in South Africa’s Western Cape, nestled between the Simonsberg and Helderberg mountains. It’s close to Cape Town and shares borders with other key wine regions, including Paarl and Franschhoek.

The region’s Mediterranean climate of wet winters and warm summers and its diverse soil types create ideal conditions for grape growing. These factors, combined with cooling breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, contribute to the production of high-quality, complex wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Stellenbosch is the second-oldest wine region in South Africa, with the area’s winemaking history officially beginning in 1685 with the establishment of the first winery. Further vineyards were planted by Dutch settlers and French Huguenots, who later helped to shape the South African wine industry.

The region boomed in the 19th century with the building of the railway but later struggled with Phylloxera, a vine pest that devastated vineyards across Europe and South Africa.

The industry thankfully recovered in the late 1900s. Today, Stellenbosch is known for its premium red wines and is a major player in the South African wine sector.

The Stellenbosch region is known for a variety of grapes, but the most important are:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – This is the most widely grown grape variety in Stellenbosch. It thrives in the region’s warmer climates, where it creates rich wines with flavours of dark fruits, cassis and often, warming notes of tobacco and spice.
• Merlot – This grape variety also prefers warm climates. It makes smooth wines with cherry and plum flavours and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Chenin Blanc – Known locally as Steen, this is the most widely planted white grape in South Africa. Chenin Blanc comes in a range of styles here, from crisp and dry wines to rich and complex.
• Sauvignon Blanc – Grown in cooler areas of Stellenbosch, this white grape variety creates wines that are tangy, fresh and aromatic. Expect notes of green pepper, gooseberry and tropical fruits.
• Chardonnay – In Stellenbosch, this white grape often produces full-bodied wines with generous fruit flavours and notable influence from oak ageing.
• Shiraz/Syrah – This grape variety grows in both warmer and cooler parts of the region. Stellenbosch Shiraz typically has flavours of blackberry, spices and occasional hints of smoked meat.
• Pinotage – This is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, created in South Africa. It enjoys the sunny areas of Stellenbosch and creates robust, fruity wines. They typically have notes of plum, blackberry and a unique smokiness.

Stellenbosch wines are known for their high quality and distinctive character. They are well-balanced and reflect the rich diversity of the region’s climate and soils.

Cabernet Sauvignon from Stellenbosch is a popular choice. The wines are typically full-bodied and rich in dark fruit flavours like blackcurrant and plum. They often have hints of spice and tobacco from ageing in oak barrels. These wines are complex and become smoother over time.

Pinotage, a grape variety unique to South Africa, produces earthy and bold wines. These easy-drinking Stellenbosch wines are typically packed with big tannins and flavours of juicy red and black fruit, plus distinctive smoky aromas of tea and tobacco.

The region also produces excellent white wines. Stellenbosch's Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and vibrant. These wines often have tangy, zesty flavours such as green apple, gooseberry and tropical fruit. They are typically light- to medium-bodied and very refreshing.

Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc can vary in style, from crisp and dry to fuller-bodied and rich. The fuller versions often have ripe apple, pear and honey flavours, while the drier styles are more citrusy and mineral-driven. Chenin Blanc is also occasionally used to create sparkling wine here.

Stellenbosch wines are wonderful paired with a casual, mid-afternoon snack or a full-on family meal.

Red meats such as beef or lamb are a winning combination with Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, which balances out rich, hearty dishes with its full body, high acidity and robust tannins. Hard cheeses and hearty dishes with plenty of dried herbs and black pepper are also an ideal match.

Pinotage is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. Its robust and fruity character can stand up to flavourful dishes such as barbecued meats, game and spicy sausages. It also complements dishes with smoky, earthy flavours, such as creamy mushroom risotto or chargrilled vegetables.

If you prefer white wine, a rich, full-bodied Chenin Blanc with notes of honey and pear will pair well with chicken in creamy sauces or mildly spicy Asian dishes.

Dry Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc is perfect for pairing with seafood dishes, sushi or salads, thanks to its minimal sweetness and bright acidity. A zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a full-bodied Chardonnay would also make a delicious pairing with seafood.